Wakefield Trinity are being backed to turn a few heads in the Betfred Super League play-offs over the coming weeks by a former player who only knew survival mode in his time at the club.

Gareth Ellis spent the first five years of his career at Wakefield, predominantly at the bottom end of Super League.

Even as recently as three years ago they were being relegated to the Championship.

But under owner Matt Ellis and head coach Daryl Powell they are a club transformed, having won the second tier in that first year before qualifying for the play-offs in their first season back last term.

Jake Trueman (with ball) has led Wakefield to a fourth place finish (PIcture: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Jake Trueman (with ball) has led Wakefield to a fourth place finish (PIcture: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

They have built on that this season, finishing fourth, to earn a maiden home tie in the play-offs against Leigh Leopards at what is expected to be a bouncing Belle Vue on Friday night.

“I actually lived in the stands at one stage when I was playing there, and it wasn't like it is now, put it that way,” Ellis told The Yorkshire Post.

“It's brilliant to see, because going back 10, 15 years, I don't think anyone could see how far they could have come.

“I think it's testament to the ownership, the belief, the hope that's been brought into that club, but not only that, the investment.

Gareth Ellis has given his verdict on his former club Wakefield Trinity (Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

“Daryl's got them playing really, really good rugby. They've put a really good squad together and it's nice to see them up that end of the table, because the many years I was there, and after me, it was all about just surviving relegation.

“So, to see them actually suffering relegation, being back in Super League, and the support behind them, it's brilliant to see.

“And I think they'll go all right. I think they might give every team a run for their money this year.

“I don't think it would be an upset if they were to beat Leigh on Friday night. Leigh are a good side and another team that's done well over the last few years.”

If Wakefield are to beat Leigh and advance, Ellis believes their big performers this season need to stand up and be counted when it matters most.

“Jake Trueman has had a really, really good year. Really influential,” said Ellis, who was speaking at the Yorkshire Invitational celeb-am golf event at Ilkley this week. “Tyson Smoothie has been a really good player for them this year, so I'm sure they'll want to finish on a good note.

“But also the forwards - Mike McMeeken, Caius Faatili - have been instrumental in getting them on the front foot as well, and allowing those players to play.

“Wakefield is still a bit of a special place in my heart. They’re the team that gave me my chance, so it'd be great to see them go a bit further.”